FG Announces Discovery Of Gold, Platinum, Lithium Deposits In Kaduna

Nigeria has recorded a major breakthrough in its mining sector following the discovery of a large polymetallic mineral zone in Kaduna State.

It was gathered that the discovered mineral contains valuable resources such as platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements.

The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja by Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, during the opening of the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit 2026.

He described the find as one of the most important mineral discoveries in the country in recent years.

The development came shortly after Steron Mining and Company Limited revealed that it had identified about 3.3 million metric tonnes of lithium reserves at its mining site in Abuja.

Alake madw the announcement during a tour of the facility attended by summit delegates.

According to him, the Kaduna discovery has been confirmed by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and could strengthen Nigeria’s role in the growing global market for critical minerals used in modern technologies.

He explained that the discovery resulted from exploration work carried out by a private company with support from the NGSA.

The minister said the newly identified mineral-rich area contains high-grade deposits of several strategic minerals that are increasingly needed for clean energy projects, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing industries around the world.

“This is important for newsmen and stakeholders to take note, this is the first time I am announcing this publicly. Recent exploration breakthroughs verified by our Nigerian Geological Survey Agency have unveiled a world-class polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna state, consisting of world-class platinum group metals, precious, and critical mineral deposits,” Alake said.

“The province is notable for significant deposits of gold, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements of exceptionally high grades, positioning Nigeria among the emerging destinations for strategic mineral resources and sustainable mining investment.

“This is a new discovery by a private company assisted by our agency, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency.”

The minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to move away from the long-standing practice of exporting raw minerals.

According to him, Nigeria is focusing on processing and adding value to its mineral resources within the country.

“For too long, Nigeria’s mineral endowment did not translate into sufficient national value,” the minister said.

“The paradox was very clear: vast mineral potential but limited beneficiation, rising global demand but inadequate geological confidence, legal authority but weak enforcement, and abundant activity but too much informality.”

Alake further revealed that several investors have already pledged billions of dollars toward mineral processing and beneficiation projects, which are expected to contribute significantly to economic growth and industrial development.

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